Washington DC Trip (8th grade)
Washington DC Trip - Overview & Itinerary
Trip #26358
South Effingham Middle School
South Effingham Middle School
8th Grade
Washington, D.C. Trip
Nov. 17 – 20, 2026
BOOK NOWExplore D.C. – The Ultimate 8th Grade Trip
Where history comes to life, and memories are made!
Each year, 8th grade students at South Effingham Middle School have the incredible opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C.—the heart of our nation. This exciting trip blends learning, adventure, and friendship into one unforgettable experience.
🚌 What's the trip all about?
- Stand in the shadows of famous monuments and memorials 🗽
- Visit world-class museums, historic landmarks, and government buildings
- Dive into real-world U.S. history—up close and personal
- Bond with your classmates on a journey you'll never forget 🤝
✨ Why it's a must-do:
- See the places you've only read about in textbooks
- Experience the culture, significance, and pride of our capital city
- Build lifelong memories with friends and teachers
- Be part of one of the most exciting traditions at SEMS!
📸 From group selfies at the Lincoln Memorial to quiet moments of reflection at Arlington, every part of the trip offers something powerful, personal, and fun.
So pack your curiosity—and maybe a good pair of walking shoes—and get ready for the ultimate 8th grade adventure!
Package Price
Based on a minimum of 40 paid per bus
Quad: $1,069.00 per person
-
Deposit Payment:
$250.00 per person
Due June 1, 2026
(Non-Refundable) -
2nd Payment:
$273.00 per person
Due July 15, 2026 -
3rd Payment:
$273.00 per person
Due August 15, 2026 -
Final Payment:
Balance per person
Due October 15, 2026
INCLUDES:
Roundtrip Motorcoach transportation, hotel accommodations, overnight hotel security, meals as listed, programs and activities, 1:10 chaperone-to-student ratio, Kelly Tours tour director, a Kelly Tours T-Shirt, snack and drink, travel arrangements, all gratuities and taxes.
Trip Itinerary
November 17
We will depart from South Effingham in the morning and head to Washington, D.C. Rest stops will be made as necessary, and snacks and drinks will be provided. Lunch will be on your own. We are expected to arrive at our hotel in the Washington D.C. area this afternoon, allowing for a quick check-in and a chance to refresh. Dinner will be at Primo's, followed by an orientation tour featuring the Jefferson and MLK Memorials. We'll return to the hotel for the night. Overnight security is included at the hotel each night of this tour.
November 18
Each morning, breakfast is included at the hotel. Today, we will meet our local guides, starting our tours with a photo opportunity at the White House. Next, we will visit the National Archives to view some of the nation's most cherished documents. Afterward, participants will enjoy a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol. Lunch will be on your own at the Capitol Visitor Center Café. The afternoon will be filled with rich historical experiences, including visits to Ford's Theatre and several important memorials, such as the WWII and FDR Memorials. The day will wrap up with dinner and entertainment at Bowlero, ensuring a delightful conclusion to an educational day.
November 19
After breakfast, our tours continue. We will visit Arlington National Cemetery for the "Changing of the Guard" at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, stopping at JFK's gravesite. Our journey will continue with visits to the Iwo Jima and Air Force Memorials. Lunch will be on your own at the Ronald Reagan Food Court, offering a variety of choices. The afternoon will be dedicated to profound experiences, as Bus 1 visits the U.S. National Holocaust Museum, while Buses 2 and 3 explore the Smithsonian. Later, we'll switch buses, allowing everyone to visit the Holocaust Museum and delve into the Smithsonian's vast collections, including the Museum of American History and Natural History. The day will conclude with a memorable dinner and a DJ led dance on a Potomac River Cruise.
November 20
Breakfast is included before we check out of the hotel, followed by a visit to Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington. The group will tour the mansion, gaining insights into the life and legacy of the first President. As we head home, a Chick-fil-A boxed lunch will be provided for your enjoyment on the road. The return journey will include scheduled rest breaks and a stop for an included buffet dinner, ensuring everyone is comfortable and well-fed. We expect to return to the school, marking the end of an incredible educational adventure in Washington, D.C.
Advisors & Head Chaperones
Have specific questions? Reach out to your point of contact below.
Theresa Elkins
Point of Contact for Female Students
Joseph Wiggins
Point of Contact for Male Students
Need to reach out? You can find contact information for Ms. Elkins and Mr. Wiggins in the SEMS Staff Directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I was put on a waitlist, does this mean the trip is full?
No, this means there needs to be 20 students on a waitlist before an additional bus opens.
2. How many buses will go?
3. We sellout every year, so do not wait!
3. My child is going, can I go as a chaperone?
No, chaperones are already chosen. We have a full team of teachers and administrators already signed up and ready to go!
4. My child is shy and doesn't want to go without me, should he/she still go?
You know your child best. If they have a few friends to make them feel comfortable and fill that void then yes! It is always a fun and memorable trip. However, if your child has never been away and you are extremely worried about them, this trip may not be for your child. You could always try a trip closer to home like Ebenezer Alive later in the year.
5. How many students per chaperone?
8-12
6. How many students per room?
4
7. Will my child pick his/her roommates?
Yes. Please note that if they only choose 1 roommate, two other students will be chosen to fill the room.
8. How are the sleeping arrangements set up?
Boys will be on one floor and girls on another. We will have security posted on the floors each night.
9. Will the envelope system be used?
Yes, if you want to separate food and spending money by day a chaperone will hand those envelopes out to your child as needed. You do not have to use this system, it is just an option.
10. Does my child need extra money?
There are 4 meals not covered by the trip which must be accounted for. Other than that all money for extras is up to you. We try to find inexpensive souvenir shops for students to get the most for their money.
11. Will there be a parent meeting closer to the date?
Yes, around a month before we will have a face to face meeting for questions and answers. We will also provide more specific information at this time.
12. If I still have questions, who do I contact?
For male students, please contact Joseph Wiggins. For female students, please contact Theresa Elkins. You can find their contact information in the official SEMS Staff Directory.
How To Register For A Trip
1
Travelers must log in to their Kelly Tours account via kellytours.com, by clicking on the red Book or Pay option at the top of the page. If the traveler registrant does not have an existing account, one can be created by selecting Register at the bottom of the sign in window.
2
Once logged in, travelers may enter the tour number into the search bar at the top right corner of the screen.
3
Travelers will fill out their information in the tour booking window.
4
If a traveler is registering more than one guest, multiple travelers can be added under one booking by selecting the blue Add Traveler button.
5
Travelers will be able to fill out the payment information using the secure payment window. There will be an additional opportunity to review the tour information and finalize the traveler's information before submitting the booking.
DC Announcements
Medication Envelope Instructions
Washington Dc medicine by Theresa Elkins
Parent Meeting Presentation
Wash DC Parent Meeting Information by Joseph Wiggins